Central ND News

Governor Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden presented the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service at a ceremony held in Memorial Hall at the Capitol in Bismarck. The awards recognized teams from across North Dakota state government for their efforts to serve citizens and address various challenges.

More than 300 nominations were submitted by state employees, highlighting collaborative work within and among agencies. According to Armstrong, “Our state agencies continue to deliver world-class service in collaboration with each other and our local, tribal and federal partners. This year’s awards highlight teams that went above and beyond in serving our citizens and making North Dakota an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees, and thanks to everyone who nominated their colleagues for their outstanding work.”

The Triple-Play Award was given to the NDPERS Retirement Plan Transition Team for implementing a significant policy change by transitioning new state employee hires from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan within an 18-month period.

The Prairie Pheasant Flush Award went to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and Center for Distance Education (CDE) for developing a military pathway program with the National Guard after data showed insufficient student readiness under the state's choice-ready framework.

North Dakota Parks and Recreation’s Little Missouri State Park Trail Restoration Team received the Backbone Collaboration Award for restoring over five miles of abandoned trails, enhancing park infrastructure.

The Strength from the Soil Award was presented to North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s State Wildlife Management Area District Managers for building partnerships with livestock producers and implementing managed grazing systems aimed at restoring prairie landscapes.

Finally, the Roaming Bison Award recognized October Wildfire Unified Command, which coordinated more than 15 agencies in response to wildfires that burned over 118,000 acres in October 2024.